English Premier League & Championship Tips: 9-10 September

THE top tiers of English football return this weekend after the first international break of the season.

The weekend kicks off with a blockbuster clash at the Etihad between Manchester City and Liverpool – that’s where we find the first of our three best bets across the Premier League and Championship.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City v Liverpool

Big spending Manchester City have come up odds on to beat Liverpool but on the evidence we’ve seen this year, plus their recent head-to-head record, the price seems very short. Both have two wins and a draw to their names this term but it was Liverpool who claimed the first big scalp, humiliating Arsenal 4-0 before the international break. They’ve also won four of their last five against City and went undefeated against top six sides last season. The double chance price looks enormous.

As they tend to do, combative West Brom has begun the season well with two wins and a draw but somehow they’re outsiders against promoted Brighton. Chris Hughton’s side has just one point from three Premier League outings and a ho-hum transfer window means they’ll have their work cut out to survive the drop. Facing the canny Baggies first up off the break won’t be easy and there’s enough juice here to entice us to bet.

ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fulham v Cardiff City

Undefeated after five matches, Championship leaders Cardiff travel to London looking to extend their streak against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Fourteenth placed Fulham haven’t lived up to pre-season expectations yet but did show improvement at their most recent outing, a dominant 2-0 away win over Ipswich. We’re not sure that will be enough to overcome Cardiff though, whose form at home and away against a number of top sides, has set a strong early standard. That they are $3.30 outsiders here makes it all the more enticing.